Hi everyone,

I have an issue with my 2002 Punto mk2 1.2L 8v, which I could not find a solution or same issue on the forums. My gas pedal constantly sticks when I let go of it, giving very high revs for a couple of seconds and then releasing slowly (2 second) down to idle..if I pull back the pedal with my foot the idle goes down to normal, so its the pedal/cable I'm assuming.

I checked the pedal and its 2 bolts that hold it down to the floor panel/firewall and it is quite loose/moveable. 1 of the 2 bolts moves around and it cannot tighten. The firewall is all rusty and it has a hole that I can see through the engine bay from, and can even insert a screwdriver through.

I am not sure if the issue is the loose-ish pedal or perhaps the accelerator cable or something else. Any idea how to confirm the problem please?

Thank you!

Several things going on there.

Rust in the firewall is bad news. If the firewall is now flexible, there is a serious structural issue, which makes the car unsafe. If this cannot be fixed, the car may be scrap, so the loose pedal is less of a problem.

Assuming the firewall can be plated, welded up to make it strong again, then we can diagnose the pedal problem.

A sticking throttle can be due to:
Stiff pedal pivot
Loose pedal mount
Stiff/sticking cable
Weak or lost retrun spring
Stiff throttle at the intake

Stick your head into the footwell. Operate the pedal with your hand and observe it returning. (Don't need engine running for this)
When you have to pull it back the last bit, is it firewall flex that is the cause?

If not, disconnect the cable from the pedal.
Repeat the above.
If still sticky, the pedal pivot needs cleaning and lubricating.

If pedal ok, disconnect the cable at the engine.
Try to operate the cable, feel if it is moving freely, or sticky.
If not free, replace cable.

If all ok so far, move into the engine bay.
Where the cable attaches to the intake, rotate the throttle, as the cable would. When released gently, does it return fully, or stick?
If it is reluctant to return fully, check any return spring.
Throttle pivot may need cleaning and lubricating.

Sadly, I'd guess the firewall will be the cause, so welding to be done.

Thank you so much for the detailed help! Will try these soon and let you know thanks!